Sport nationLeeds United have made a £16.5million bid for RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, according to TOPMercato. The Ligue 1 outfit are reportedly willing to sell the Uzbekistan international in the January transfer window to balance their books.
The Whites have made the first move to acquire the 20-year-old, but their initial offer is unlikely to be enough for Lens, who are seeking up to £25m for their defender. Khusanov is also being courted by several top European clubs, including Manchester City, Tottenham, and Paris Saint-Germain, with super agent Jorge Mendes involved in the negotiations.
Leeds United’s need for defensive reinforcements is evident, particularly given their lack of squad depth in various positions. Manager Daniel Farke has had to deal with several injuries this season, but has managed the situation well. The Peacocks currently top the Championship table after their 2-0 win over Stoke on Boxing Day.
Farke’s preferred centre-back pairing has been Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, but the German manager has lacked backup options. Ethan Ampadu has recently returned from injury, while Max Wober has been sidelined for much of the season. James Debayo is still too young to be considered a reliable option.
Khusanov’s potential arrival could boost Leeds United’s hopes for promotion, but it remains to be seen whether the club’s owners, the 49ers, will sanction a move for the Uzbek defender. The Whites’ fans will be eager to see some new faces arrive at Elland Road in January, particularly in defense, where injuries have exposed the team’s lack of depth.
In other Leeds United news, the club’s fans have been condemned for their chants about Manor Solomon during the Stoke win. The Israeli winger has been linked with a move to Leeds United, but the chants were deemed inappropriate and disrespectful.
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Sport nation
Amina Umar